Archive for December, 2008

Save the Dates! The Las Vegas Bridal Shows are Coming!

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
A few days ago, my December 28th blog entry talked about what some of your initial important first steps should be if you celebrated an engagement over the holidays.

Since the holidays are a big engagement time, the beginning of the year in most major cities for the first bridal shows of the season occur in January and February. Las Vegas is no exception.

So Las Vegas brides, mark your calendars and save the dates for these two bridal shows that get “Wedding Planning Season” underway, right away!


First up is The Las Vegas Bridal Expo which will be held Sunday January 4, 2009 at The South Point Hotel & Casino located at 9777 Las Vegas Boulevard South. Click on the show link for more details & participating companies.
The following weekend, The Bridal Spectacular, Nevada’s oldest and largest bridal show will be held Friday and Saturday, January 9th & 10th, at a new location for their winter event at the World Market Center in downtown, Las Vegas at 495 South Grand Central Parkway. Grooms get in free on Friday night! Click on the show link for more details and participating companies. Also, save money and time on show pre-registration by clicking here.


The Bridal Spectacular site also has some very helpful tips on how to make the most of your bridal show visits (whether here or any other city you may visit during your planning) like bringing adhesive address labels with your name, address, phone & wedding date. You can easily make these on your printer. When you visit the booths,it will save you and the exhibitors time in getting your information for follow up and entry into some of their own promotions and prize giveaways. Also, bring an extra tote bag for all the information you will receive. You can edit all the materials you receive by putting the “yes” items in one bag and the “not so sure” or “no” items in another.
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. I also suggest that,if you have children, try to leave them at home if possible or have someone else with you so you can concentrate on getting the information you need and talking to the exhibitors that will make your visit more productive.


Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge recommends you go to the shows with a positive attitude but remember this is just a start. If you are lucky enough to find a venue or event professional that suits your needs on the spot, then go ahead and take advantage if you feel that is right for you. If not, don’t be discouraged and no one is expecting you to plan your wedding all within two bridal shows! There is so much to see and so much information to absorb at bridal shows so taking some time to carefully go through the information together and decide what inspired you and what you want to follow up on is a good thing.

Take your time, have fun and enjoy the shows!
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Bridal Show, Las Vegas Wedding News, Wedding Planning, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | No Comments »

Happy Holidays & Congratulations! Now What?!!

Monday, December 29th, 2008

IStock Photo
‘Tis the Season for all kinds of wonderful things: carols & cookies, family and presents…like engagement rings!! Ok, I know I really had to force that rhyme but it is for a good cause.

More couples get engaged during the December holiday season than any other time of the year.

If you are one of those lucky couples that are celebrating your engagement to be married, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge would like to wish you my heart felt congratulations!!

After the first waves of initial excitement wash over you, the next big question asked (after that initial obvious one) is…”now what?!”.

Here are some key first steps courtesy of The Emily Post Institute, one of the foremost names in defining etiquette and wedding etiquette for over 6 decades. Emily Post’s Wedding Etiquette & Emily Post’s Wedding Planner are two books that will get you off to a great start and the “Wedding Planner” is the source for the list below, outlining 12-24 months before the wedding. I have added some of my own comments in italics as well.

  • Announce your engagement to friends and family, and in any newspapers if desired.
  • Decide the date and time of your wedding.
  • Choose the style of your wedding—formal or informal; traditional, theme, “green” or destination; civil or religious.
  • Research magazines, books, movies, websites, blogs, etc. to help INSPIRE you and educate you about new trends, resources and make your own inspiration book book and favorites list of your ideas to refer to.
  • Determine a budget and make a promise to stick to it as much as possible!
  • Create a filing/organizational system for wedding paperwork. For a great computer wedding planning program, check out “I Do Wedding Software for Couples”. Very comprehensive if planning on your own and a great companion to the professional version that many wedding consultants (myself included) use.
  • Decide on the size of the guest list and number of attendants.
  • Meet with your officiant or clergy member, if having a home wedding, or begin research for officiants in your destination locale of choice.
  • Meet with family members to discuss plans and the division of expenses.
  • Decide whether to hire a Wedding Consultant and begin interviewing some in your area or destination locale of choice. Click here for help deciding “Is a Consultant Right For You?”.
  • Decide if yours will be a local or destination wedding. I hope it will be a Las Vegas wedding!
  • Begin researching and make selections on ceremony and reception locations (whether local or destination).
  • Investigate the legal requirements to acquire a marriage license in your state/province or in the destination location of your choice. *For Las Vegas & Nevada information, go to www.accessClarkCounty.com.
  • Select your attendants, both female and male.
  • Interview and book wedding professionals, including your caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, and musicians.
  • Research honeymoon options and destinations.


The journey you will take in planning your wedding will be one of the most interesting, exciting, emotional and enlightening (on a multitude of levels) journeys you and your fiance (and by default your family & friends) will make. Please remember that although this day celebrates the two of you, please follow another piece of sage advice from Emily Post. I really don’t think I could say it any better:

“Don’t Forget the 3 C’s: Not clarity, cut or color. We’re talking about consideration, communication and compromise. How you handle your wedding plans can foretell how you will handle the other major decision of your life together. Along with the stress that will accompany the big decisions and little details should be a sense of adventure and fun. You are celebrating one of the most joyous milestones in your lives. Do so with a focus on consideration, communication and compromise and the process is sure to be smoother.”

That is surely the way to begin planning your wedding with Style!
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Bridal Magazines and Websites, Destination Weddings, Wedding Planning, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 3 Comments »

Merry Christmas from Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge!

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM FABULOUS LAS VEGAS, NEVADA!!

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge would like to extend to all my friends, clients and colleagues my very best wishes for a very merry and bright Christmas.

I hope your holidays are filled with love, good cheer, lots of family and friends, laughter, all the gifts you hoped for and a little extra room in your clothes for all those great holiday treats:)

May this season bring you peace and joy, love and hope for a brighter year ahead.

This has been a wonderful year and I feel so blessed to have made wonderful friends, planned some beautiful and memorable weddings for some very special couples, learned so much from mentors old and new and realized, yet again, that I am blessed to love what I do and do what I love in life.

I am truly blessed that my parents, my brother and beautiful nieces are healthy and happy, my husband and I are still madly in love on our way to 8 years of marriage and I have two very special young women in my life who I love dearly as not only my “daughters” but as my friends.

This year, for Chanukah & Christmas I will be remembering my late Uncle Chester who passed away this December at 82 and who was “larger than life” and my cousin Carrie Gold who left this world much too young at 40; losing his valiant battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. You are always in my thoughts and I love you.

With much gratitude and affection,
Tracey
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Friends of LV Wedding Concierge, I Love My Job, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 1 Comment »

"Colin Cowie: Wedding Chic" Book Release TODAY!

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Colin Cowie, the arbetur of style and gracious living and celebrity wedding/event planner is Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge’s #1 favorite wedding and lifestyle guru. And yes, I really do watch all his segments on CBS’ The Early Show and can’t wait to watch him host Get Married on the Lifetime Channel coming this January!


I have had the pleasure to meet him on a few occasions and have him sign a few books. He is truly a class act!

I am so excited to add his new book, Colin Cowie Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration to my Colin Cowie collection in my library.

Book Description from Amazon.com:
“Following inspirational introductions from Colin about every part of your celebration, each detail is captured with magnificent photographs: bouquets; ceremony décor; centerpieces; reception décor; food and drink; cakes; invitations, favors, and gifts; appearance for the bride, groom, and attendants; ritual and ceremony; and music and after-party.

Brimming with the kind of style that has made Colin the number one wedding planner in the world for celebrities,heads of state, and even royals, Wedding Chic finally gathers all of the options in one dazzling, easy-to-reference place. With photographs of more than 1,001 gorgeous details, it is simply the most comprehensive, varied, and beautiful resource a bride-to-be could ever wish for—one that is certain to make the wedding a celebration to remember forever.”

And what makes me even more excited about receiving the book is that I ordered 2 so I could give one away here on my blog! Stay tuned for blog giveaway details coming soon!

For those of you who can’t wait, you can buy your own copy by clicking on the link above to purchase the book from my Wedding Concierge Book Cafe. You can visit my store by clicking on the sidebar to the right to browse and purchase more of Mr. Cowie’s fabulous wedding and lifestyle books as well.

Update as of 6:00 PM this Evening: How wonderful! The books arrived today and I got a bonus 3rd day Chanukah gift to myself. Flipping through, my initial impression is WOW! The book is chock full of information and images and much more hands on information than “Extraordinary Weddings” is (which is more of a coffee-table style book). I’m looking forward to curling up and reading it over the holidays and sharing it with one special “Diary” reader!

Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Wedding Concierge Reccomends, Wedding Planning Books, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge, Your Wedding Style | No Comments »

Encore, Encore! Wynn Las Vegas Opens Luxurious New Resort Tonight!

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008


To paraphrase their teaser website, “What do you do when you have already built one of the world’s most luxurious, exciting and award winning resorts?”


Well, you build an even more gorgeous and luxurious resort right beside it on the Las Vegas Strip and call it….

“ENCORE”

Congratulations to Wynn, Las Vegas on the opening of Encore Las Vegas!

The entire website showcasing all of the resort’s amenities will be revealed with the opening of the resort tonight at 8:00 PM.

The resort features stunning decor that brings the outside in with large windows in the casino , even more luxurious suites (starting at 700 square feet), incredible new restaurants including “Sinatra”, which is fine Italian dining and a labor of love between Steve Wynn and the Sinatra family. It features portraits, memorabilia and a personal soundtrack of music by “The Chairman of the Board”.

Other restaurants include a steakhouse called “Botero Steakhouse” which will certainly be a most voluptuous dining experience set amongst the incredible work of artist Fernando Botero and another establishment called “Switch” that changes it’s environment every 20 minutes for a true dining “experience”.

The real “show” at “Encore” is their “XS Nightclub” (a play on the word “excess”, I’m sure). It most certainly will exceed in off-the-hook luxuriousness for this club that is inspired by the style and ambience of St. Tropez. Of course, Wynn will do it in their own way and the party will start in the afternoon and flow into the wee hours of the morning. The club opens on New Years Eve.

Impressionist Danny Gans, who Steve Wynn introduced to the Mirage and made a Vegas star, is back with a whole new exciting show that will premiere in February, 2009.

From a personal perspective, my own experiences, and that of my family, when staying at a “Wynn” resort in the past was that we always felt “taken care of” and were truly treated as welcomed guests. On a professional level, as a wedding consultant, that “taken care of” experience at Wynn, Las Vegas is embodied in the professionalism and care extended to me and my clients by the wonderful staff at the resort. It is one of my favorite places to work in Las Vegas.

I am so excited to visit “Encore” this weekend and see all the gorgeous new venues in the Wynn Collection that will be perfect for celebrating your wedding in Las Vegas. From welcome parties to brunches, bachelorette and bachelor parties, spa and bridal beauty and stunning new ceremony and reception locations, “Encore” is going to, yet again, raise the bar on what it means to have a wedding or Destination Wedding celebration with Las Vegas “style”!

Check out some great images and video of the resort on the “Vegas Deluxe” blog of Robin Leach (yes, the “Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams” man himself).

Bravo, “Encore”, welcome to the neighborhood and I would like to wish all of my friends at Wynn Weddings, Wynn Catering and Restaurant Events “congratulations”. I am so excited for you and wish you all great success. I look forward to many fabulous and memorable weddings and events with you.
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Destination Weddings, Dining Top Spots, Favorite LV Places and Spaces, Las Vegas Local Events, Las Vegas Wedding News | No Comments »

Happy Chanukah!

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge wishes my family, Jewish friends, clients and colleagues a very Happy Chanukah or Hanukkah.


However you spell it, have a wonderful holiday, sing “The Chanukah Song” (even Adam Sandler’s version), enjoy the latkes, the dreidel games, lighting the candles, eating some chocolate “gelt” (or silver coins=money) and opening a gift or two or, if you are real lucky, 8!

“Hanukkah”, from the Hebrew word for “dedication” or “consecration”, marks the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the forces of Antiochus IV and commemorates the “miracle of the container of oil”. According to the Talmud, at the re-dedication following the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire, there was only enough consecrated olive oil to fuel the eternal flame in the Temple for one day. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, which was the length of time it took to press, prepare and consecrate fresh olive oil.
*From Wikipedia.com (Love that website!)

One day I would love to plan a Chanukah/holiday wedding! I think it would be so meaningful and fun at the same time to have a twilight ceremony with guests holding candles during the ceremony, and the bride and groom would light a menorah under the chupah (wedding canopy).

Crisp, white flowers, elegant blue and platinum table decor with lots of light and menorahs that guests would also light in a large candle lighting ceremony.

Of course, the “latke” (potato pancake) would be styled up served at an interactive latke station with a variety of flavors; regular, sweet potato, even spicy and served with different gourmet toppings and paired with “He’Brew: The Chosen Beer” and also a vodka based (because it’s also made from potatoes) festive cocktail

And, to top off a fabulous meal with a modern take on a traditional Israeli tradition of serving “Sufganiot” (donuts) with a donut station from “The Fry Girl” (thanks Green Orchid Events Blog for this resource) for desert making mini-donuts on the spot with powdered sugar, cinamon, and jelly toppings. Serve with a sparkling wine or desert wine.

Of course, the band would have to play a hora or two because what’s a Jewish wedding and Chanukah without some dancing, right?

To send guests off in style, treat them to a little “to-go” bag filled with chocolate “gelt”, a dreidel and box of gourmet Chanukah candles for their own menorah.

So, nu? Anyone out there interested in a Chanukah wedding?
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Cultural Weddings, Decor, Food and Beverage, Music, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 2 Comments »

Office Closed December 15-21-A Sad Reason to Visit Home

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is making immediate plans right now to fly home to Canada and my office will be closed for this coming week of December 15th-21st. I expect to be back by December 22nd.


Sadly, I am returning home to attend the funeral of a beloved uncle, my mother’s brother, who passed away today from a horrible form of cancer (is there any kind that isn’t horrible?) called Mesothelioma. This cancer is a rare form caused by exposure to asbestos and often the symptoms show up 30 to 40 years later.

My uncle and his brother followed my maternal grandfather into the scrap business back in the 40′s when they were young men and built a thriving business recycling metals in “Steel Town”, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was a lucrative industry (and still is) but I guess you could say my family was “green” before “green” was fashionable.

With all the old scrap and junk and piles of grease and muck that surrounded them, apparently asbestos was the last thing they were thinking of or concerned about or even aware of.

Funny thing is, my uncle smoked cigars as long as I knew him and I never could have imagined that in his early 80′s it would be a rare form of cancer from asbestos exposure that would fell this man who, to me, was always the embodiment of exuberance and confidence.

My uncle leaves behind 2 siblings, a wife, 4 children, about 14 grandchildren and now even great-grandchildren to come. He will join my grandparents and 7 of his siblings in heaven now.

I miss him already!

Thank you for letting me share.
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Tracey's Life, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 1 Comment »

A Hollywood Glam Weekend at Palm Spring’s Riviera Resort!

Thursday, December 4th, 2008

Entrance of the Newly Restored Palm Springs Riviera Resort

Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge is on the road today on my way to sunny Palm Springs, California for a little mid-December getaway before the holiday madness hits!


My office is closed Thursday and Friday and I will be back in Las Vegas on Monday.

You all know I LOVE Las Vegas and I often take little vacations right here in the city (why not take advantage of having such an incredible “backyard”?). But, every now and then, a little R&R away from the bright lights is good for the soul.

Palm Springs is one of my favorite places to do that. It’s close enough to drive (3-5 hours depending on the route and your gas peddle pressure), similar desert climate and a cool, relaxed vibe. For those reasons, and a few more, it has long been a getaway for the Hollywood celebrities and rich and famous as well.

One of the most popular and legendary of the Palm Springs resorts is the Riviera Resort. Opened in the late 50′s, it was cool and swanky and when the members of the “Rat Pack” and “The King” himself weren’t playing in Las Vegas or Hollywood, this was one of their favorite playgrounds to preform and play.

After being closed for a $70 million major makeover, the legendary resort reopened in October, 2008. It has been restored to it’s’ former glory but with a 21st century major upgrade that pays tribute to it’s historical architecture and the sexy sophisticated design of it’s 60′s “heydays”. From the images…I could live here permanently!

Just as in those glory days, Hollywood, Vegas and Palm Springs still share that unique “style”. In Las Vegas you can see it in hotels like “Red Rock Resort” for example.

My friend and fellow NACE member Lisa Lynn Backus, CMP, CPCE left Las Vegas to become “Director of Events” at the resort. We all miss her here in Vegas and I am looking forward to seeing her again. Turns out I am going to miss out by one day being there for a mixer she is hosting for the Greater Palm Springs Wedding Association. Bummer!

The hotel’s website has some great information about the history of the resort and all the celebrities that performed and played there and a cool “Then & Now” feature showing spaces from the original incarnation and it’s fancy new wrapping.

I’m bringing my camera so stay tuned! And by the way, Palm Springs is certainly one of those locations I will and am available to plan a destination wedding outside of Vegas.

Have a great and stylish weekend!
Posted by Tracey Kumer-Moore,JWIC|Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge

Posted in Associations, Destination Weddings, Friends of LV Wedding Concierge, Your Las Vegas Wedding Concierge | 1 Comment »